The ACEA 2016 Sequences: Efficiency and protection for tomorrow’s engines

Since 1996, when they were first introduced, the European engine oil sequences from ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens de l’Automobile) have been regularly reviewed and updated. They specify the minimum requirements for service fill oils used in gasoline and diesel engines, covering both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The ACEA sequences include categories providing compatibility with advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems. They form the foundation for most European original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications and are also widely used in developing markets.

The latest revision is planned for spring 2016 and represents a significant upgrade in the performance requirements of many categories. For the first time since 2007 a new passenger car category, ACEA C5, will be introduced. This combines low viscosity (2.6 mPa.s dynamic viscosity under high temperature, high shear conditions) with aftertreatment compatibility (reduced limits for ash, phosphorous and sulfur) and is a very important category for the future. Improved durability requirements to cover the challenges from turbocharged, gasoline direct injection engines and biofuel use are also critical aspects of the ACEA 2016 update.

This presentation will cover the background to the ACEA sequences and the key drivers for the 2016 update. It will go through the main category changes together with the requirements and tests within them. The primary focus will be on light duty, as it is within these sequences that the most significant changes occur in the 2016 update. The heavy duty sequences will be covered more briefly. A view of some likely future developments in the sequences will also be given.